Is there a legal precedence for demonic possession?

[b4nightfall]

Did I grab your attention? Well hope so.
I have a very serious question to ask, about a very serious situation.
Im not going to be too detailed unless you privately email or message me and let me know who you are first.
I have to be safe.
So, the person I am speaking about committed a serious crime, is in jail, and facing charges.
To the extent this person cannot even get out on bond.
They did in fact commit the crime, and is completely provable in the police reports, however this person is saying (to get straight to the point) that they were possessed by demons at the time of the act.
This was a person that used to criticize and pick apart the bible(near daily) and also dabbled in witchcraft and the occult back in their younger years, and now claims that not longer after the arrest, they were given a bible and it made sense at that point, is now saved by jesus.
I in no way condone nor defend. I just want to know if any one has ever heard of demonic possession associated with the legal system.
I can not really find any where that religion is brought into law, aside from swearing on the bible.
I wish i could be more specific. I will try to answer as many questions as possible on this topic, and please if you have any recourses such as Christian Lawyers (even if it is just to obtain some advice), Im praying for help and guidance, and was led here

 

[Ugly]

I'm no lawyer. But typically 'the devil made me do it' defense seems to fall under some sort of insanity plea, which is becoming less and less acceptable. So if 'possession' is going to be his excuse they will probably refer him to be psychologically evaluated.

 

[amymine712]

How did he become unpossessed? True demon possession requires that the demon be cast out. He would be unable to cast them out himself. He would need laying of hands and prayer for the casting out of the demon. Now sin is an entirely different matter. He can turn from sin and confess Christ as his savior but he needs to own up to his sin and repent for it not blame it on possession.

When people claim demon possession for a crime they committed, they are handed over for a psych evaluation. Either way he will pay for his crime in jail or a mental institution for criminals.

 

[b4nightfall]

Ugly, I agree. It seems like a far fetched thing to say something like that. Who would even want to set that as a legal precedence right? Crazy. And Amy, that is a very very good point. I've found verses about demons, and they always get cast out. Im trying to stress to this person that its not how you feel now, its the circumstances around the crime you committed. Yes, he's 'turned from sin and confess Christ as his savior', but its the repenting and owning up part im having a hard time getting across.
He doesn't even want to say 'Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, No he just wants to straight up say not guilty. And IM supposedly the one letting 'Satan control me through fear' if I don't support him in this. Im trying so hard to let him down easy and get him to accept his fate instead of grasping for nothing.

 

[Nautilus]

Well demonic possession in a case like this is most certainly a joke, if not a joke at all times. He is trying to weasel his way out with the classic devil made me do it but I found Jesus plea. There is no legal precedence and he will get what he deserves.

 

[amymine712]

Ugly, I agree. It seems like a far fetched thing to say something like that. Who would even want to set that as a legal precedence right? Crazy. And Amy, that is a very very good point. I've found verses about demons, and they always get cast out. Im trying to stress to this person that its not how you feel now, its the circumstances around the crime you committed. Yes, he's 'turned from sin and confess Christ as his savior', but its the repenting and owning up part im having a hard time getting across.
He doesn't even want to say 'Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, No he just wants to straight up say not guilty. And IM supposedly the one letting 'Satan control me through fear' if I don't support him in this. Im trying so hard to let him down easy and get him to accept his fate instead of grasping for nothing.

Yeah he is using the demon possession thing as a way to get out of admitting and repenting for his sin. You shouldn't let him down easy. People like that need a hard let down to open their eyes. He has been so hardened by sin that he won't see it otherwise. You have done much for this person continue to pray for him but don't waste your time by casting pearls before swine. It sounds like you have planted a seed now it is up to God to grow it.

 

[Rudimental]

Oh what a sad and depraved and neanderthal society we live in where the only way we know how to deal with a criminal is to lock them up and throw away the key!

The state has it all backwards. In courts, they will make you swear an oath with your hand held on the bible.

Yet when it comes to demonic possession, they will refer you to a psychiatrist as though you are insane!

It's absolutely flaming ridiculous.

Unfortunately, this is the state and world we do live in where the only way we know how to deal with those that have broken a law as serious as murder is to refer them to a shrink and lock them up in isolation at the same time.

Then they wonder why such a high rate of offenders repeat the offense and end up back in prison again.

What these people need is not to be locked up, but they need love and understanding. They need repentance and forgiveness. They need their joy of salvation restored to them.

Unfortunately, old hairy legs likes the way the world currently works where we lock away our criminals from society and eventually put them on death row where they can go to their death without true repentance and forgiveness.

It is a tricky subject to tackle because some people simply do need instant locking up to prevent them from harming or killing other people. And although they may be visited by a prison chaplain once or twice is it enough?

So what should you do for these people?

Hebrews 13:3 says Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

All you can do and the best thing you can do for this person, is to pray for them continually. Every day offer to God your prayers for this person that they will get the best treatment that is available for them. That they will get a fair and true hearing and plea but that through it all, Gods will will be done and not your own or theirs or anyone else's.

Remember through it all, God has a plan for this person that far exceeds anything me or you can even become to imagine.

That is my HO anyway. God bless you for reaching out.

 

[Nautilus]

yeah just love the rapists, murderers, and molesters...that will work

 

[Rudimental]

yeah just love the rapists, murderers, and molesters...that will work

Hey where has this come from? Are you not a Christian???

Yes, love the murderers, love those that sin against you. Turn the other cheek...

Do not fight evil with evil. Fight evil with good.

1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Did Jesus come to earth to save the righteous??

No. He loves us all so much (even the repeat sinners and offenders).

Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus came to earth to save the sinners. That means those that have sinned in ways which are almost despicable and unspeakable to us - rape, murder etc etc.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 to love those that hate you and to pray for those who persecute you.

What then? Should we condemn all murderers and rapists to death?

A sin is a sin is a sin.

It doesn't matter if your only sin was to steal a 1c sweet when you was 7 years old or if you have raped and murdered a ton of people. It does not matter to God.

A sin is a sin is a sin. There is no scales that says one sin is worse than the other or that one sin is not as bad as another.

A sin is a sin is a sin.

We should have the same love in us for our neighbors that Christ had for us while we were spitting on his face.

 

[jb]

Did I grab your attention? Well hope so.
I have a very serious question to ask, about a very serious situation.
Im not going to be too detailed unless you privately email or message me and let me know who you are first.
I have to be safe.
So, the person I am speaking about committed a serious crime, is in jail, and facing charges.
To the extent this person cannot even get out on bond.
They did in fact commit the crime, and is completely provable in the police reports, however this person is saying (to get straight to the point) that they were possessed by demons at the time of the act.
This was a person that used to criticize and pick apart the bible(near daily) and also dabbled in witchcraft and the occult back in their younger years, and now claims that not longer after the arrest, they were given a bible and it made sense at that point, is now saved by jesus.
I in no way condone nor defend. I just want to know if any one has ever heard of demonic possession associated with the legal system.
I can not really find any where that religion is brought into law, aside from swearing on the bible.
I wish i could be more specific. I will try to answer as many questions as possible on this topic, and please if you have any recourses such as Christian Lawyers (even if it is just to obtain some advice), Im praying for help and guidance, and was led here

You can find a bit of a study Here that you should find helpful...

Yahweh Shalom

 

[Nautilus]

yawn, The Bible also tells people to obey the laws of the land. If you break the laws you get punished according the laws. Its just as biblical as your point and far more rational.

 

[Jruiz]

Do Demons have to be cast out to go away? You don't think They can willingly leave? If the job is done and It landed him in prison, what good is he? the situation kinda sounds like a cop out but who knows. I would ask God before you pursue anything.

 

[Rudimental]

yawn, The Bible also tells people to obey the laws of the land. If you break the laws you get punished according the laws. Its just as biblical as your point and far more rational.

We keeping you up?

But indeed, very true statement. It says all laws and all governments have been established by God. We should honor God by honoring His 10 commandments and the laws of the lands we live in.

Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

But it also says the wages of sin are death (separation from God). Blessed be because of the work that Jesus has done, we are now once again reconciled to God our Father. God sees us (even murderers) in the same light as He sees Jesus.

We are all lost sinners in need of repentance and forgiveness. This man, whoever he is, whatever he has done, deserves that same forgiveness just as much as you doesn't he? Doesn't he deserve the same love and compassion for his mistakes that you or we all do?

You cannot weigh sins on scales and say some weigh more than others. To God it is all the same. It is an evil he cannot stand to face. That is why Jesus cried out on the cross My Lord, My Lord, why have thou forsaken me. Because at that moment, all the sins of the world were put on Him and God could not look at Him. Thats probably why it went dark across the land for 3 hours.

I know what you are saying Nautilus when you were being sarcastic about having love for murderers and rapists etc earlier on. But these are just people like me and you that have done things wrong (unless they are clinically insane which is a different matter) and they need our love, compassion and understanding and of course, our Christian counsel to bring them to a self recognition of their wrongs and show them there is forgiveness for all sins through Christ right?

Thats what I've always been taught anyway unless anyone can convict me otherwise?

1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

I prefer the King James version And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

A couple more that are appropriate here.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

James 5:20
remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

I'm sorry but I feel that what you said is a wee little minded and an uneducated statement by someone that has almost 5000 posts here. Honestly I would expect more from such a person like that on a forum such as this with that many posts.

Lets have compassion for this brother who has done a wrong thing and now has to pay for this in deed through the penal system. We should include him in our prayers that he will see the wrong he has done, come to terms with it and seek forgiveness from God so that he can be made whole again.

We all need His forgiveness. It doesn't matter what sin you have done!

We are born sinners, unholy and imperfect.

Yet we are made holy and perfect through the work of Christ.

Amen and God bless.

 

[Percepi]

It's quite possible he was not possessed by demons, that he is either mentally ill or looking for an excuse to justify his actions so he can feel better about himself. If he used to practice witchcraft, with make believe magical powers, it's definitely possible that he is delusional enough to think himself possessed.

 

[Simona25]

Im praying for help and guidance, and was led here

The only christian thing that you can do for the man (if you know him personally) is to tell him to admit his guilt. Tell him to stop blaming the devil (like Adam and Eve did) and admit his sin; tell him to support the consequences of his sin like a man. He still has a chance for redemption: in jail.

 

[Simona25]

It's quite possible he was not possessed by demons, that he is either mentally ill or looking for an excuse to justify his actions so he can feel better about himself. If he used to practice witchcraft, with make believe magical powers, it's definitely possible that he is delusional enough to think himself possessed.

With or without demonic possession, he is the ultimate responsible for his action. Just like a drunk driver who kills a passenger.

 

[blue_ladybug]

Do Demons have to be cast out to go away? You don't think They can willingly leave? If the job is done and It landed him in prison, what good is he? the situation kinda sounds like a cop out but who knows. I would ask God before you pursue anything.

Jruiz, YES demons have to be cast out so they can go away!! They are NOT going to WILLINGLY leave a soul that they can possess, unless forced out in the name of Jesus!!

 

[Rudimental]

Yeah at OP all you have really said is that they said to you? "they were possessed by demons at the time of the act." or did he tell this in the police interview or something? Or perhaps to you in confidence? Without actually meeting this person myself and speaking to him it would be hard to say whether he was or not.

I know that witchcraft, satanism is a real thing. And its not a good idea to get involved with it. As a Christian who now knows the truth about satanism or witchcraft/ ouiji boards, tarot cards, etc etc now we know that all that is in opposition to God.

The thing is satan loves to candy coat it and make people laugh like haha it isn't real anyway. And the world too, and old hairy legs knows this too. It starts with reading your daily stars in the paper from someone who read it in their tea leaves which is superstition. It starts with the way the world celebrates pagan festivals like Halloween and faith in runes and stones and other objects they believe have magic powers.

True some thing do have magic powers. But they are not the same kind of magic powers you might want stuffed up your sleeve. They are powers of darkness that are attached to such objects such as ouiji boards, even paintings or rooms where evil has been practiced through one of these forms or mediums. Those same evil forces are real alive living spirits that attach themselves to those object/mediums or rooms/houses etc as its a way for them to commune with man to ultimately steal, kill and destroy.

But the first time user, it all seems a bit of fun. A bit magical and mystical. And boy oh boy do we love to monopolize it and paint it with a sugar frosted candy coating. Looks at Harry Potter, don't point at me and call me a madman just yet but its films/programs like Harry Potter and its wizards and witches that glorify these dark arts like they are kids play or something.

Another example is Charmed. I'm sure you've all seen Charmed now aired on cable TV. Those 3 beautiful witches? Oh now you remember. Its another prime example of how we have taken something so pragmatic, so real and so misunderstood (which is an enigma to unbelievers) and turned it into something that is "okay" or "alright" for anyone to do. Considering this program, and these films are aimed at the younger generation who just lap this stuff up. Old hairy legs must be loving it.

Sorry if I have gone off topic or seem a bit crazy to you but what I am saying is can really point the finger at this person and say it was 100% his fault only? Why is it most kids that kill do so? Is it not because the TV has glorified guns and violence? The world makes it look like you need to be hard to survive to some people. So they try and be like the world. But what I'm saying is that all that witchcraft/satanism stuff is controlled by old hairy legs himself to suck people in through media etc. Don't laugh at me the devil is very clever you know much more than me and you he has been alive for all of mankind. He knows more about man than we do. He makes the world believe that he doesnt exist! As I said earlier, in courts they make you swear on the bible yet say you were possessed by demons and no court in the country will hear your plea and deem you to be insane. We are still all Neanderthals! Stone age clueless morons that only use like 10% of their brain.

Fortunately for us Gods word is true and perfect and where it goes it never returns unfruitful. This person needs to know the truth of Christs work that has already been done for his and our past, present and future sins.

It sounds like He needs to find Christ yet still. He needs to be told all that devil/satanism stuff is rubbish and will ultimately kill him unless he renounces it, repents of it and gives his life fully over to Christ. When he does that he will be a new man and we will meet with him in Heaven. And we will know him, even as we know ourselves.

Either that or hes going to be in hell forever but only God knows this mans heart. What a blessing it will be brothers to hear of this mans saving. What a joy in Heaven there is amongst angels when just one sinner repents and turns to Christ.

Hope so.

God bless you all.

 

[Nautilus]

The thing is while all sins may be equal in nature to God, we can see a clear difference in severity when it comes to our life. Are you trying to tell me that in this life you stealing a pack a gum would be equal to someone murdering your mom? Would you two deserve the same punishment?
I mean im all for showing/telling people the love of Christ, but if you are on say death row for murder, fine, no matter what you still pay for your crime. Knowing how slow our justice system is youll have plenty of time to find Jesus.

 

[Rudimental]

With or without demonic possession, he is the ultimate responsible for his action. Just like a drunk driver who kills a passenger.

Hi there Simona waves how are you? That is very true. Even at the unfortunate account of himself. But if he was truly possessed i dont think he could drive a car either haha

Thats not to say he wasn't under the influence of darker forces though, that is all I am saying. He has expressed to the OP? that he said he felt like he was being controlled by demons at the time. It would be hard for a judge to believe that, even though they make you swear on the bible. The same judge that makes a man swear on the bible of the real and living God, will shun you if you say you was possessed by the real and living enemy of God. We need to all wake up and come to God then we can all hurry up and go to a much better place where there are no prisons, no murderers or thieves and where no moth or dust doth settle.